Snow-Covered Manali Experiences Frigid 0.2 Degrees Celsius; More Snowfall Expected in Himachal

Shimla, Dec 28 (NationPress) A severe cold wave persisted on Saturday, causing most regions in Himachal Pradesh to experience chills, with snow-blanketed Manali at 0.2 degrees Celsius. The Met office has indicated that there are chances of additional rainfall and snowfall across the state until December 29.

Western disturbances—storm systems originating from the Caspian Sea and traversing the Afghanistan-Pakistan area—are set to remain active in the region for the next 24 hours, according to a Met Office representative speaking to IANS.

During the next day, light to moderate rain/snowfall is anticipated at several locations, with heavy precipitation expected in certain areas of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Mandi, Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur.

The official noted that light to moderate precipitation is likely at numerous places, with heavy rain/snowfall forecast for specific locations over Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts.

Popular tourist destinations such as Narkanda, Kufri, and Manali, situated in the mid-hills, could see increased snowfall, the meteorologist added.

Shimla, which experienced a low of 1.2 degrees Celsius, recorded 20.2 mm of rain, while nearby hill towns Kufri and Narkanda received substantial snowfall.

Manali, located in Kullu district about 250 km from Shimla, remains covered in a thick layer of snow.

The scenic town of Kalpa in Kinnaur district recorded the coldest temperature in the state at -2.5 degrees Celsius, along with 23 cm of snow. Dharamsala recorded a temperature of 5.9 degrees.

Those involved in the hospitality sector are optimistic, anticipating a surge in visitors on New Year’s Eve due to the expected snowfall.

“Snowfall is always a major draw for our guests,” remarked a hotelier in Shimla, adding, “We are receiving inquiries about the likelihood of snowfall on December 31.”

Just a day prior, heavy snowfall in the Lahaul valley and upper Manali region led to significant traffic disruptions on the Manali-Leh highway.

Reports indicated that over 1,000 vehicles, predominantly carrying tourists, became stranded in the Solang Nala area of Kullu district.

According to Kullu Police, approximately 5,000 tourists were trapped in their vehicles.

“All vehicles and tourists have been rescued and relocated to safe areas,” the police stated.

An update from Lahaul and Spiti police on Saturday mentioned that “snowfall has been occurring in Sissu, and the road leading to Sissu from Manali is closed due to an accumulation of over three feet of snow.”